Tag: love

Friday, February 5

Today is Friday, February 5, 2021. Being present. Gazing across the pond. Seeing a few brown leaves hanging from the branches. A robust squirrel scurried by.

An inspirational quote by Martin Luther King Jr. “Intelligence plus character, that is the true goal of education.”

February Feelings. While this month can – at times – feel cold in places where it is winter, inside, we can be glowing with warmth.

Human beings naturally learn and seeing progress is satisfying. Anytime today or this weekend, identify one thing you want to learn more about or learn to do better this month. You may already have started your learning plan. The list of options is extensive: history, cooking, kitting, coding, drawing, playing an instrument, dancing, working out, meditation, happiness, writing, organizing, cleaning, nutrition, etc.

Choose one thing and make dates with yourself to spend some time advancing your learning. To enjoy your progress, mark it someplace where you can see it. It could be hash marks for each time you spend some time on it, it could be logging it in a journal or crossing it off on the calendar, or you could add a bead or stone to a jar and see it filling up over time.

Photo by Charles Folscher

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
    • Roll your shoulders back and lace your fingers behind you-like you are holding your own hands behind you. Let your chest puff out and take a deep breath in.
    • As you breathe out, bring your chin down gently and feel the release in the back of the neck and shoulders. Take another long breath in and out.
    • Release your hands, bring your head back to neutral, and smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am open to myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I appreciate myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, February 3

Today is Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Brisk walk, swinging the arms, really getting into it. Chuckling at how silly I feel, and totally embracing it.

An inspirational quote by Dr. Seuss, “If you keep your eyes open enough, oh, the stuff you will learn. Oh, the most wonderful stuff.”

February Feelings. While this month can – at times – feel cold in places where it is winter, inside, we can be glowing with warmth.

Make a list of people, places and things that increase how much or how often you laugh. The list may include people, books, quotes, memories, photos, games, characters, shows, movies, TV series, etc. See if you there are ways you can integrate more high laughter opportunities into your life (or others).

Photo by Daiwei Lu

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm your Body and Mind:  

      • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
      • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
      • Roll your shoulders back and lace your fingers behind you-like you are holding your own hands behind you. Let your chest puff out and take a deep breath in.
      • As you breathe out, bring your chin down gently and feel the release in the back of the neck and shoulders. Take another long breath in and out.
      • Release your hands, bring your head back to neutral, and smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am open to myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I appreciate myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, February 1

Today is Monday, February 1, 2021. Worldwide, the shortest month of the year has a special day to appreciate and celebrate love. Sitting by the fire, reflecting on the regenerative effects of love and connection.

An inspirational quote by Jane Goodall, “Empathy is really important. Only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our full potential.”

February Feelings. While this month can – at times – feel cold in places where it is winter, inside, we can be glowing with warmth.

Take a moment to recall a time that you felt appreciated and cherished. Consider what contributed to allowing you to feel that way. Think about someone you appreciate and cherish. Reach out and connect with a note, find creative ways to spend time together or share a treasured recipe, book, music, workout, etc.

Photo by Ergyn Meshekran

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
    • Roll your shoulders back and lace your fingers behind you-like you are holding your own hands behind you, let your chest puff out and take a deep breath in.
    • As you breathe out, bring your chin down gently and feel the release in the back of the neck and shoulders. Take another long breath in and out.
    • Release your hands, bring your head back to neutral, and smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am open to myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I appreciate myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, January 29

Today is Friday, January 29, 2021. Walking along the path, noticing the quiet, seeing a still pond.

An inspirational quote by Ann Landers, “Warmth, kindness, and friendship are the most yearned for commodities in the world. The person who can provide them will never be lonely.”

The Joy of January. This is a symbolic month to launch the new year to lay the foundation for a brighter future. 

Looking ahead to this weekend, and then February, find a moment to pause and reflect on January. Take a moment to make a list of all the things that were wonderful in January. Include the things you are proud of, that you feel good about, who you appreciated, what you learned. An end of the month Positivity Briefing is a nice way to capture life’s wonderful-ness so you can return to at any time in the future. Over time, you will have a collection documenting your personal growth, joys and the positivity in your life.

Photo by Robert Thiemann

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
    • Now, after a deep belly breath, breathe out with a gentle mouth generating a deep vibration saying, “aah” …
    • Take another deep belly breath and breathe out humming “mmm” with a deep vibration.
    • Finally, take another deep belly breath and let out all the air in your lungs with a releasing sigh.
    • Shimmy your shoulders and shake out your arms. Smile.

Recharge yourself and spread love when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am aware of myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, January 25

Today is Monday, January 25, 2021. The days are getting longer. The chilly mornings are brighter.

An inspirational quote by William Arthur Ward, “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.”

The Joy of January. This is a symbolic month to launch the new year to lay the foundation for a brighter future. 

Create a plan to continue learning and experiencing new things throughout the year. You might start a list of books to read, practice playing an instrument or speaking a foreign language, or find new music to listen to, recipes to try, walking paths to explore, dance moves to master, games to play, vocabulary words to learn, skills to develop, etc. Regardless of outside events, personal growth can feel so good.

Photo by David Clode

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
    • Now, after a deep belly breath, breathe out with a gentle mouth generating a deep vibration saying, “aah”…
    • Take another deep belly breath and breathe out humming “mmm” with a deep vibration.
    • Finally, take another deep belly breath and let out all the air in your lungs with a releasing sigh.
    • Shimmy your shoulders and shake out your arms releasing all tension. Smile.

Recharge yourself and spread love when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am aware of myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, January 22

Today is Friday, January 22, 2021. As the weekend approaches, there is an opportunity to be reflective and to appreciate the positive influences in life.

An inspirational quote by Lao Tzu. “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

The Joy of January. This is a symbolic month to launch the new year to lay the foundation for a brighter future. 

Establish centering items that naturally connect you with positive feelings and that ground you. Centering items can be anything that is meaningful to you – a special cup, photos, piece of art, view of water or nature, a reminder of someone you love, a colorful token, inspirational quote, beautiful color arrangement, a ring, images of the sky, etc.

Place them in places you can see at various times throughout your day. When you have moments of disruption or are experiencing escalating reactive feelings, look to your centering item, take a deep belly breath and allow yourself to tap into your calmness and inner strength.

Photo by Dan Deziel

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
    • Wrap your arms around yourself into a warm embrace.
    • Close your eyes and tighten your embrace.
    • Take 3 deep belly breaths and release into your supportive embrace with each exhalation.

Recharge yourself and spread love and compassion when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am aware of myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, January 20

Today is Wednesday, January 20, 2021.  Transitions and change are part of life. Taking moments to check-in and connect with love.

An inspirational quote by Maya Angelou. “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”

The Joy of January. This is a symbolic moment to launch a new year to lay the foundation for a brighter future. 

To move forward may require courage. Practice developing courage.

    1. Look forward and imagine what is possible. Write it down.
    2. Try something new.
    3. Turn off electronics for a time period.
    4. Embrace uncertainty.
    5. Send a note of appreciation to someone you have been thinking about.
    6. Wear a bright color.
    7. Share your writing, artwork, or music with others.
    8. Do the next thing to move you towards your dreams.
    9. Ask for help, support, guidance, mentorship.
    10. Kindly decline when you need to.

Photo by Jessica Ruscello

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
    • Wrap your arms around yourself into a warm embrace.
    • Close your eyes and tighten your embrace.
    • Take 3 deep belly breaths and release into your supportive embrace with each exhalation.

Recharge yourself and spread love when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am aware of myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, December 30

Today is Wednesday, December 30, 2020.  Midweek, remembering all those who reached out and connected in the past year, deeply grateful to be a part of a global community of love.

Delights in December. Use the Daily Gift of Vitality, to allow a moment to pause and connect with what delights you. We share prompts and ideas along the way.

As we approach the last of 2020, take some time to reflect on what delight means to you. In the past year,

    1. What delighted you?
    2. When or where did you experience the most delight in your life?
    3. Who added to or shared in the delight in your life?
    4. What adds or increases delight to life?
    5. How can you generate delightful moments for yourself and others?

An inspirational quote by Mark Victor Hansen. “Dedicate yourself to the good you deserve and desire for yourself. Give yourself peace of mind. You deserve to be happy. You deserve delight.”

Photo by Alonso Reyes

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am aware of myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

Return to the Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

  • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
  • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
  • Breathe in Energy & Blossom.
    1. Take a deep breath in, feeling your lungs expand.
    2. When you breath out, smile and say out loud, “Aaaaah.” Feel the vibrations in your body.
    3. Repeat 2 times and notice those vibrations are different when you are smiling.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday December 25

Today is Friday December 25, 2020.  For many, today is a religious day, a holiday; it is also a day to celebrate peace and good will and reflect on the many gifts in our life.

Delights in December. This month use the Daily Gift of Vitality, to allow a moment to pause and connect with what delights you. We will provide prompts and ideas along the way.

Delight in the joy of others.  Go for a walk in nature with family or friends.  Connect virtually with family and friends and share your celebrations.  Shovel the snow for a neighbor.  Share some baked goods or special dish with someone else.  Send a note of appreciation to someone who is working today.

An inspirational quote by Mother Theresa: “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”

Photo by David Deshaies

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am aware of myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

Return to the Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
    • To restore the body, experience Ocean Breathing as taught by Jeff Warren
      • While belly breathing, imagine yourself floating on the surface of the ocean
      • Your breath is like the tide, as you inhale the tide rises and it lifts your body up, as you exhale the body relaxes. Feel your body being carried by the tide.
      • Smile and enjoy floating and gliding.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, December 18

Today is Friday, December 18, 2020.  In December 1903, Wilbur Wright flew the first airplane for 59 seconds over is distance of 852 feet

Delights in December. This month use the Daily Gift of Vitality, to allow a moment to pause and connect with what delights you. We will provide prompts and ideas along the way.

Have a solo or virtual dance party.  Explore different genres of music to dance to: Latin, Jazz, House, Disco, Rock and Roll.  Remember, “Dance like no one is watching” and have fun!

An inspirational quote by Sharon Salzberg “You can explore the universe looking for somebody who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and you will not find that person anywhere.”

Photo by: David Clode

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am human. My mind, my body, and my spirit are connected, and I am a part of a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. As humans, we can create positive energy together.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
    • Flex and release your calf muscles, seated or standing.
    • Lift your heels off the ground and feel your feet stretch and your calves tighten.
    • Slowly release and flex your feet by bringing your toes up towards your shins. Feel the stretch in the calves. Then release and shake out each foot.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP